Abstract: A reinforcement for thin film materials is provided by coating the films with an ink-type material. Ink coating of moisture vapor-permeable films such as polyurethane allows for a film suitable for use on skin which has an optimal rate of moisture vapor transmission. If desired, an adhesive can be provided on the ink-coated polyurethane membrane, and such materials are suitable for retaining I.V. needles and the like in place on a patient.

Abstract: An electrode for use with electrosurgical apparatus is provided which establishes capacitive coupling with the skin of a patient. The electrode includes a conductive plate connected to the electrosurgical apparatus with an insulating layer disposed in contact with the conductive plate and on the opposite face of the insulator there is provided conductive material in the form of a plurality of discreet islands of conductive adhesive material. The islands of conductive adhesive material are in contact with the skin of the patient and provide a plurality of independent current paths providing substantially uniform current flow from each element of the skin in contact with the islands of conductive material.

Abstract: A holder for securing and protecting an intravenous injection needle when the needle is inserted in the body of a patient is disclosed. The holder includes a flat base having an adhesive bottom with an aperture located in the middle of the base. A clear plastic window, having an adhesive bottom, is placed over the aperture on the base. When the needle is inserted in the body, the base is placed over the needle so that the insertion site lies in the middle of the aperture. The base securely holds the needle in place, and the clear window covers and protects the needle while allowing the needle insertion site to be observed. The window can be partially peeled back to provide access to the needle, and if desired the window may be completely peeled off and replaced. A see through gauze pad to which an antibiotic salve can be applied is also disclosed. This gauze pad is removably placed underneath the clear window in the aperture.

Abstract: A disposable skin conducting electrode assembly and electrode is disclosed for use on a patient wherein the electrode assembly comprises a gel pad, an electrode and an adhesive pad. The electrode is a thin conductive plate containing an interior area or aperture. In one particular embodiment, the electrode is doughnut shaped. The gel pad covers one side of the conductive plate and is similarly shaped. The adhesive pad covers the other side of the electrode and extends over the aperture and beyond the periphery of the gel pad. The adhesive provides good contact around the external edges of the gel pad, and due to the aperture, the adhesive pad provides good adhesive contact to the patient around internal edges of the gel pad as well. An external conductor is connectable to a conductive, single piece solid metal stud or post attached to the electrode and extending through an orifice in the adhesive pad.

Abstract: A disposable skin conducting electrode assembly and electrode is disclosed for use on a patient wherein the electrode assembly comprises a gel pad, an electrode and an adhesive pad. The electrode is a thin conductive wire having a non-linear configuration such that the electrode extends across a width of skin substantially greater than the width of the wire. In one particular embodiment, the wire is in a saw-toothed configuration. The gel pad covers one side of the conductive wire, and the adhesive pad covers not only the other side of the conductive wire but the gel pad as well. The adhesive pad is used to hold the electrode assembly to the skin of the patient. A lead wire, connected at one end to the conductive wire, is provided to connect the electrode assembly to a suitable source of electric impulses. The electrode assembly may be used where any electrode is usable but has particular application for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or as a post-operative electrode.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an information storage card having a vertical rear edge with a series of coded notches for identification and selection. When the card is carried in a pack of similar cards the rear vertical edge of each card is aligned so that the notch coded edge of each card is similarly positioned for selection. Accordingly, the selection means of an appropriate card sorting apparatus will be provided with code bars to engage the aligned vertical edges of the cards to distinguish certain selected cards from the remaining cards of the pack. A further notch is also provided in the top of each card which is defined by a vertically extending abutment edge intended to be engaged by means on the apparatus to prevent forward movement of that card.